“We could be in San Diego,” my friend Ellen said. “Blue skies, low humidity, and eating lunch outside.”

We could have been in many cities, but instead we were in downtown Mobile, Alabama, on a beautiful spring Saturday. I was amazed by the energy around us—flowers spilling from window boxes, music drifting from outdoor restaurants, and people everywhere. Conventioneers with lanyards, dance moms shepherding little girls in sparkly costumes, and a myriad of nationalities—some tourists, some locals—all happily strolled along Dauphin Street. It felt like the kind of thing we do when visiting another city, and it was fun to pretend we were in Anywhere, USA, even though we were just across the bay from home.

Our outdoor table at The Noble South gave us the perfect vantage point for people‑watching. Susan and I ordered an unusual Eggs Benedict topped with fried oysters instead of Canadian bacon, and an Aperol Spritz brought back memories of a wonderful trip we once shared. Johnny chose chicken liver pâté and deviled eggs, while Ellen enjoyed Steak Frites. Everything was delicious—pleasant, surprising, and just a little unpredictable.

Our next stop was the historic Saenger Theater, where the Mobile Symphony was rehearsing for their annual casual concert, Beethoven and Blue Jeans. The symphony wants to take away the “high art” element of this performance and encourage patrons to come dressed casually to enjoy the concert. Because Johnny is a donor, he was allowed to bring three guests to the rehearsal, and I was lucky enough to be one of them. We were one of only a handful of people.

We were escorted to seats close to the stage as the musicians played the first piece on the program, Dances of Galánta by Zoltán Kodály. Based on eighteenth‑century Hungarian folk tunes, the music was lively and spirited. Watching the musicians’ intense focus on conductor Scott Speck, I realized I was witnessing a world‑class symphony at work. Speck would stop to give notes, and sometimes a violinist or cellist would ask a question. Music speaks to the heart and soul, but the vocabulary of these artists—precise, technical, and expressive—was exhilarating to hear.

During a break, I chatted with violist Daniela Pardo and learned that 65 percent of the orchestra’s members are from the Mobile area, with the rest traveling from Baton Rouge, Birmingham, Tallahassee, and Huntsville. They represent all ages, genders, and professional backgrounds. I wished I could have interviewed each one; their stories must be fascinating.

The guest artist for the performance was Radu Ratoi, an accordion master from Romania known across Europe for his musicality, technique, and charisma. He performed Astor Piazzolla’s Aconcagua: Concerto for Bandoneon, written for the instrument at the heart of tango.

The music blended European classical forms with contemporary harmonies—tango‑infused, jazz‑tinged, and utterly captivating. Watching Radu play was a joy. With eyes closed, he seemed to float on every note. During the Allegro, he practically danced in his chair, interpreting the score with infectious energy. The dialogue between conductor and soloist radiated mutual respect, a reminder that music unites us all.

The final piece was Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 in D major—cheerful, bold, and expansive. My friends said it was their favorite part of the concert. I noticed there were fewer stops and starts during this rehearsal, perhaps because these musicians have played Beethoven for years and his nuances are imprinted in their hands and minds.

Thank you, Johnny, Ellen, Susan, Scott, Radu, and all the members of the Mobile Symphony Orchestra for a delightful and enriching Saturday afternoon in my hometown of Mobile, Alabama.

The next concert is An American in Paris on April 11 and 12, featuring George Gershwin and Rachmaninoff—two of my favorites.